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"pyil^S* MEMORIALS 



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OF 



PHEBE FIELD, 



AND 



ANNE )JVI O T T. 




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NEW- YORK: 

J"AMES EGBERT, PRINTER, 374 PEARL STREET 

(8UCCESSOB TO M. DAT' 8 PILESS.) 
1854* 



A TESTIMONY 

Of Scipio Monthly Meeting, concerning Phebe Field, 
who departed this life 31st of Fifth month, 1852, 
aged eighty-four years , and a Minister about fifty 
years. 

Our valued friend, Phebe Field, was the daughter 
of Seaman and Dinah Hawxhurst, who were not con- 
nected with any religious denomination. She was 
born at Port-Chester, Westchester County, New York, 
in Third month 1768. By the dispensation of an all- 
wise Providence, her father was removed by death in 
the fifth year of her age, and she was adopted by her 
worthy relatives, Richard and Rebecca Titus ; under 
whose religious care she was trained up agreeably to 
the principles of Friends. 

Her mind was energetic, ardent, and affectionate 
but prone to lightness and vanity, which led her from 
the path of simplicity ; and she indulged for a time in 
pride and vain amusements. This career was, how- 
ever, in mercy arrested by fearful apprehensions of 
Divine displeasure ; and, yielding to the monitions of 
Truth, she was favored to see the sinfulness of the 
course she was pursuing, and strengthened to cease 
from further association with her gay companions 
in folly : and, through the power of Divine Grace, she 
was enabled to resist her natural inclination, take up 
the cross, and follow her Redeemer. 

In after life our dear friend would frequently allude 
with deep regret, to the misspent portion of her youth 
ful time, and plead with the young to dedicate the 



morning of their days to their Saviour, through whose 
redeeming mercy they might be favored to secure 
" an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that 
fadeth not away." 

In 1784, in the sixteenth year of her age, she was 
received, at her own request, into membership with 
Friends ; and in 1785, she was united in marriage with 
our friend Jesse Field. 

As she advanced in years, it was evident that an 
inward and spiritual work was in progress, and hav- 
ing, through the mercy of her Heavenly Father, been 
permitted to witness the purifying process of his 
Holy Spirit, she felt constrained to yield to an impres- 
sion of duty that had for some time attended her, to 
testify unto others of his matchless love. Her public 
appearance in the ministry was with gieat diffidence 
and simplicity ; but, in watchfulness dwelling under 
the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, her gift 
became enlarged, and, in 1803, she was acknowledged 
as a minister by Amawalk Monthly Meeting. 

In the year 1805, and again in 1807, with the ap- 
probation of Friends, she made extensive visits in 
Gospel love, to the northern and western parts of our 
Yearly Meeting, and also appointed some Meetings 
amongst those not of our religious society. At subse- 
quent periods, she attended most of the Yearly Meet- 
ings on this Continent, and many of the Meetings con- 
stituting them — continuing, even in advanced life, 
unwearied in her exertions in accomplishing the work 
assigned her by her Father in Heaven. These arduous 
services she performed to the satisfaction of her friends, 
and to the peace of her own mind. 

Phebe Field was peculiarly qualified for service 



among those not of our religious Society. Being 
sound in word and doctrine, her communications as a 
minister of the Gospel, were instructive and edifying. 
She was anxiously concerned that the principles of 
Christianity, as professed by Friends, might be upheld 
in their primitive purity ; and that the discipline and 
order of our Society might be sustained in their native 
simplicity. 

In 1814 she removed, with her husband and family, 
and settled within the limits of this Monthly Meeting, 
where she continued to reside during the remainder 
of her protracted life. 

Her amiable disposition and manners rendered her 
company interesting, and exerted a salutary influence 
on those around her. She was diligent in the attend- 
ance of all our religious Meetings, and her reverent 
waiting upon the Lord in them was instructive. It 
may truly be said of her, that she was a pillar in the 
Church, hewn and squared by the Master's own hand : 
and during the many trials and changes which were 
permitted in this part of the heritage, she was merci- 
fully enabled to retain her integrity and standing in 
the Truth. Her interest in the welfare of our Society 
continued unabated to the close of her life. 

She was deeply sensible of the responsible position 
of parents, and was often concerned to press upon 
them the importance of watching over their children 
with religious care, and, with gentle firmness, check- 
ing the buddings of error in their tender minds — often 
citing their attention to the pointings of Truth in their 
own hearts, as a preparation for training those under 
their care in the fear of the Lord. 

In Second month 1834, after a lingering illness, her 



husband was removed by death; which afflictive 
dispensation she was enabled to bear with Christian 
resignation. She felt tenderly for others in their 
affliction, and her sympathy and counsel were en- 
couraging and consoling. Being of a meek and quiet 
spirit, watchful over her words and actions, her de- 
portment was solid and exemplary, holding forth the 
inviting language, Come, follow me, as I endeavor 
to follow Christ. 

With the increase of years her physical strength 
gradually failed, and for the last year of her life she 
was mostly confined to the house. Yet in great 
bodily weakness she did at times get out to Meeting, 
nearly the last of which was the Quarterly Meeting, 
in which her voice was raised in Gospel testimony, to 
the contriting of many hearts. 

During her illness she was preserved in patience, 
and, with a mind mostly clear and bright, she im- 
parted much pertinent counsel to those around her. 
To a friends who inquired how she was, she replied, 
" I think I am going very gently down : I have much 
to be thankful for, and, among other blessings, that I 
have no hard pain to endure." 

For some weeks before her death she suffered much 
from extreme exhaustion. In reference to her suffer- 
ings, she frequently said to those around her, w I do 
not suffer too much ; I am willing to suffer ; it is light 
in comparison with what my dear Saviour suffered 
for me." 

She frequently expressed her willingness to depart, 
saying she had been favored with an evidence that 
she would be accepted ; but not for any works of 
righteousness that she had done : it was all in mercy, 
adorable mercy. 



On taking leave of her dear sister, she said, " I have 
a well-grounded hope that my name is written in the 
Lamb's book of life, and that I shall be accepted.'' 

She remarked that this is a beautiful world, but 
that she felt no regret at leaving it — her day's work 
was done ; and she prayed for a release from her poor 
suffering body. At one time she said, " It would be 
desirable to go, but I am willing to wait the Lord's 



time." 



She appeared conscious to the last — said her hold 
on life was almost over, and petitioned for a release, 
which in mercy was granted ; and she passed quietly 
and sweetly away. 

Thus she has come to the " grave in a full age, like 
a shock of corn cometh in in his season." 

In recording the removal of one from amongst us 
whose concern it was, through the vicissitudes of a 
long life, to keep herself unspotted from the world, we 
desire to commemorate the loving kindness of Him, 
through whose grace she was what she was — whose 
support she sought in early life, and who condescended 
to be the sun and shield of her meridian day, and her 
stay and staff in the evening of life. And to her, we 
reverently believe, through the mercy of God in Christ 
Jesus our Lord, in which alone she trusted, may be 
applied the language, " Blessed are the dead which 
die in the Lord from henceforth : yea saith the Spirit, 
that they may rest from their labors ; and their works 
do follow them." 



MEMORIAL 

Of New York Monthly -^Meeting, concerning Anns 
Mott* 

Anne Mott was the daughter of James and Mary 
Mott, and was born in the city of New York, on the 
thirty-first of Seventh month, 1768. 

In childhood, whilst yet too young fully to appre- 
ciate the loss, her most excellent mother was removed 
by death. By this event the care of a young family, 
all under eight years of age, devolved upon their sur- 
viving parent, whose religious concern and solicitude 
to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord, were remarkably blessed. 

She possessed a sprightly and affable disposition, 
combined with a vigorous and comprehensive mind, 
which endeared her to her friends and acquaintance. 

By her own untiring efforts, aided by the attentive 
care of her father in instructing her in literature, she 
in great measure overcame the difficulties which the 
want of schools at that period presented, Being fond 
of reading, her mind was stored with useful know- 
ledge ; and it proved a source of enjoyment to her 
even in advanced age. 

She became much interested in the subject of educa- 
tion, and engaged in promoting the establishment of 
schools, and encouraged Friends in remote situations 
to form family schools. 

In the seventeenth year of her age, she was united 
in marriage with our late esteemed friend Adam Mott, 
and entered upon the important duties of wife and 
mistress of a family, with that cheerfulness and de- 
votedness with which she was wont to perform her 
duty, and with that Christian dignity and consistency 
which characterized her through life. 



As a mother she was diligent in watching oppor- 
tunities to improve the expanding minds of her chil- 
dren, not onlj to instruct them in the knowledge of 
temporal things, but to impress them with the beauty 
and superior excellency of a life of piety and virtue. 

When a large business brought a number of young 
men into their employ, and made some of them in- 
mates of their family, she felt the responsibility resting 
upon her, and assiduously endeavored to promote their 
comfort and improvement, often introducing at meals 
and on other occasions pleasant and instructive con- 
versation, tending to encourage and strengthen them 
to walk in the right way. 

In a letter to a young friend she wrote, " I have 
often thought that our preservation very much de- 
pends on a careful observance of manifested duty, in 
what are termed little things ; for now, as formerly, 
it is by faithfulness in the little, that any become 
rulers over more. Guard, then, against small devia- 
tions, which, perhaps, could they be viewed only in 
the abstract, would not be considered of much mo- 
ment ; but when taken in the connection, have the 
effect to break down the hedge which encloses the 
promising but tender plant, and leave it exposed to 
be trodden under foot." 

u My desire is that thou may beware of allowing 
the example of others to lead thee into practices 
which thy own observation must convince thee are 
pernicious ; one among these is, the neglect of attend- 
ing week-day meetings. I am sensible of the diffi- 
culties supposed to arise from a careful attention of 
this duty, but believe they are mostly imaginary, and 
that a steady perseverance will not only vanquish 



8 

them, but afford strength to overcome other beset- 
ments." 

For many years she filled with acceptance various 
important stations in our religious Society. In the 
administration of its discipline, she was particularly 
useful. 

In the capacity of Clerk to the Yearly Meeting, (a 
service for which she was well qualified,) it was in- 
structive to observe the kind and respectful attention 
which she gave to the remarks of the diffident, those 
to whom it was an effort to offer a sentiment. 

As an Elder she was highly esteemed. Her sym- 
pathizing and discerning spirit was often exercised for 
the benefit of those who labored in word and doc- 
trine ; and so tender was her manner on such occa- 
sions, that her advice and admonitions were freely 
received and appreciated. 

At a period when our remote Quarterly Meetings 
were being settled, she was often appointed, in con- 
junction with other Friends, to visit them, and was 
very serviceable in their right establishment. In a 
letter written to her family, when on one of these 
journies in 1808, she says, g ' I had cherished the hope 
of being released at this place, yet I have desired to 
be preserved from an over anxiety about it, and to 
submit to every dispensation that may be meted out 
to me, however trying to my nature. Mental aspira- 
tions have arisen, that the Father of mercies would 
regard your lonely dwelling." To her children she 
writes, " The silent language of circumspect conduct 
is indeed sweetly persuasive ; and this you may be 
enabled to hold forth, as you carefully attend to the 
admonitions of the Divine Monitor in your own 



9 

breasts. Seek retirement, and love it ; listening, as 
in the cool of the day, to the^ gentle intimations of that 
voice which condemns for evil, and strengthens to 
forsake it." 

While she gave evidence of a strong attachment to 
the doctrines and the testimonies of the Society of 
Friends, she entertained no contracted views or sec- 
tarian feeling ; in every Christian she recognized a 
brother, and evinced a warm esteem for all who she 
believed were sincerely endeavoring to promote the 
advancement of the Messiah's kingdom. This she 
fervently desired, and her cheerful temperament en- 
abled her to look hopefully forward — believing that 
Gospel light is extending its blessed influence in the 
world. 

Thus she was prepared to encourage every well- 
directed effort to meliorate the condition of her fellow- 
creatures ; and she often remarked, " We must give 
evidence of our faith by our works ; Christianity is a 
religion of active benevolence ; if it does not bear this 
fruit, we have strong reason to fear that our profession 
of the Christian name is not well founded." 

Very early in life, Anne Mott was impressed with 
the cruelty and injustice of slavery : she was often 
engaged to plead for the oppressed children of Africa, 
when her clear enunciation and persuasive manner, 
rendered her pathetic and heart-felt appeals effective 
in arousing the sympathies and convincing the judg- 
ment. She continued to manifest a deep and abiding 
interest in the cause of emancipation ; and thought it 
right, consistently with her views in this respect, to 
abstain from articles produced by slave labor. Nearly 
the last time her voice was heard in a Meeting for 



10 

discipline, she addressed the Yearly Meeting feelingly 
and impressively on this subject. 

She was one of the early friends of the temper- 
ance cause, advocating it uniformly by her example, 
and by precept when suitable opportunities offered ; 
and she greatly rejoiced when Christians of other 
denominations, as well as our own Society, became 
interested in promoting a reformation in relation to 
this subject. 

She was also careful to inculcate the principles of 
peace, and particularly desirous that these might be 
infused into the minds of children ; believing, that by 
showing them the evils that result from a spirit of re- 
taliation, and citing their attention to the direct com- 
mands of Christ, " Resist not evil," "Love your 
enemies," &c, through the benign influence of his 
Spirit in the heart, they might be impressed with the 
sinfulness of war, and its incompatibility with the 
Christian dispensation ; and that, as they enter upon 
the active duties of life, a change would be wrought 
in the public mind. 

The poor, and those in affliction, from whatever 
cause, were* special objects of her regard and tender 
sympathy. The most degraded she treated with kind- 
ness and commiseration. To a friend she writes, 
" The poor have strong claims upon us ; and how are 
we to taste the exquisite pleasure which arises from 
lessening their sorrows, unless strict economy provide 
the fund. First just, then generous, is the order we 
should always observe ; just to ourselves, to our fellow- 
creatures, and to those faculties which were given us 
to render us good stewards of the manifold mercies 
received." 



11 

In the year 1839, she experienced a severe affliction' 
in the death of her beloved husband. In a letter 
written soon after this bereavement, she says, " His 
close was calm and peaceful ; a happy change for 
him, I doubt not. But what a stroke to me ! The 
severance of a union of more than fifty years, requires 
all the consolation that an unshaken belief in his be- 
coming a sharer of that joy which is reserved for the 
righteous can impart." At another time she thus ex- 
presses herself: "How little do we know ourselves, 
or the changes that time and circumstances may make 
in our views and feelings ! My heart is often sad, 
when I compare the hopes and expectations of former 
days with present experience ; and turns with in- 
creased earnestness to that existence, where hope 
faileth not, and disappointment is unknown. At these 
seasons, what an anchor is it to have our dependance 
placed upon Him who so loved us, as to give himself 
for us, and has prepared a mansion for all those who 
trust and serve Him !" 

With her younger friends, Anne Mott was remark- 
ably companionable. She entered into their feelings 
with peculiar facility, and often became their coun- 
sellor and sympathizing friend. When surrounded 
by these, she would endeavor to incite in them a 
love of the Christian virtues, and that charity for the 
weakness and failings of others, which so conspicu- 
ously marked her own character. Aided by a reten- 
tive memory, she would relate striking incidents con- 
nected with the members of our Society ; and desire 
them to peruse its history, that they might be con- 
vinced of the rectitude of our principles and testi- 
monies — assuring them they would find that they are 



12 

founded on the doctrines and precepts of our Saviour 
as contained in the New Testament. 

Being gifted with a clear understanding of the Holy 
Scriptures, she highly appreciated them, andwas con- 
cerned to recommend the daily reading of them. 

In the evening of her days, when the infirmities of 
declining years rendered it necessary to relinquish most 
of her active duties, her concern for the welfare of our 
religious Society, and that of her fellow-creatures, of 
whatever class or name, continued unabated. 

She was diligent in the attendance of our religious 
Meetings, and considered it a privilege that she was 
enabled to perform this duty almost to the close of her 
life, though at times in much debility of body. The 
sweetness and quiet solemnity of her countenance on 
these occasions, indicated that her mind was rever- 
ently stayed upon Him who "satisfieth the longing 
soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." 

A few weeks prior to her decease, she accompanied 
her daughter to her residence in the city of Rochester, 
where, after a short illness, she departed this life, on 
the fifth of Eighth month, 1852, aged eighty-four years. 

Thus this beloved and honored friend, in humility 
and cheerful dedication, passed through a long life of 
active usefulness ; and having, through Divine grace, 
been enabled to occupy the talents committed to her, 
we humbly trust she was permitted to receive the 
gracious answer — " Well done, thou good and faithful 
servant ; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I 
will make thee ruler over many things ; enter thou 
into the joy of thy Lord." 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



021 212 871 5 



Hollinger Corp. 
pH 8.5 



HinSnT C0NGRESS 

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Hollinger Corp. 
pH 8.5 



